Face Coverings
How are decisions about masking made?
The Springfield College mask policy follows the best practices as set forth by multiple public health agencies and in consideration of local municipal regulations. The American College Health Association recommends that colleges distribute and promote the use of N95, KN95, and KF94 masks, which the CDC recommends as the most protective masks. We will continue to monitor the local transmission rates and recommendations when making decisions about masking.
Where in the residence halls/on-campus housing do I need to wear a face covering?
Face coverings are optional for individuals regardless of vaccination status in all areas of residence halls/on-campus housing. Exception: Following a positive test, individuals in days 6-10 must wear a high-quality mask in all areas EXCEPT when they are alone in their private room/space.
Vaccination Status
Can we ask about someone’s vaccination status?
We understand that students may want to know of each other’s vaccination status. It is up to each individual to determine their comfort level with sharing this information about themself.
Are all employees vaccinated?
Forward-facing employees of Springfield College are required to be vaccinated or have an approved religious or medical exemption. Employees at Harvest Table with direct contact with food or people are also required to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption.
How will I know someone is vaccinated when they are outdoors without a mask?
Springfield College prides itself on living our Humanics philosophy of leadership in service to others in all that we do. This includes our ethos to keep our community safe by following the guidelines for masking. We are going to have to rely on the honor system and the desire of our students, faculty and staff to make appropriate decisions and choices to keep each other safe. Employees and students found in violation of the face-covering policy will be held accountable.
Can students who aren’t vaccinated be on campus?
Students must be vaccinated or have an approved exemption to be on campus. Student access to buildings, facilities and academic spaces will be limited to only those who are vaccinated or have an approved exemption.
What is the process to review exemption requests?
Medical exemptions are reviewed by Health Center staff to ensure the primary care provider has provided appropriate documentation. Requests for religious exemptions were reviewed by a committee for thoroughness.
Who knows my vaccination or exemption status?
Students' exemption status is shared within the College only, and on a need-to-know basis, as determined by Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and/or Athletics.
Testing
Will students need to pay for COVID tests?
In some very limited circumstances, a student’s health insurance will be billed if the COVID-19 test needs to be processed at a local facility.
Are new and returning residential students required to be tested on campus prior to move-in?
Springfield College will no longer require pre-arrival or arrival testing for residential students.
Who is required to undergo surveillance testing?
Springfield College will no longer require surveillance testing of students or employees
Can anyone stop by and be tested?
Drop-in PCR testing is not available at Springfield College at this time. Instead, students with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure may make same-day appointments at the Health Center (413-748-3175) to take a rapid antigen test or are encouraged to test at home prior to coming to campus.
A limited number of free rapid antigen tests are available from the Health Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitor and Guest Policy
Are there limits to the number of visitors/guests/occupants on campus?
Currently, there are no limits on the number of people that can be in any space indoors or outdoors, other than those imposed by the fire marshal.
Are guests (non-Springfield college students) allowed to visit the residence halls?
Resident students are allowed to have guests visit them in the residence halls. We expect all guests who are eligible, be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or meet the requirements of a medical or religious exemption. No individual student may have more than one overnight guest or visitor at any given time. All guests must be registered through the Office of Housing & Residence Life by the host student. Guests are expected to follow all established COVID-19 protocols and masking guidelines. In addition, they must be escorted at all times by their resident host.
Can friends and family come to athletic competitions?
Yes, friends and family are welcome to athletic competitions. They are required to follow the College's masking guidelines.
Quarantine
If I am up-to-date on my vaccines (including boosters), do I go into quarantine and for how long? What if I’m not vaccinated (or boosted)?
Any student (regardless of their vaccination status) who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to isolate for a minimum of five full days. Day 0 is the date of the positive test, Day 1 is the first full day of isolation. Students will have the opportunity to isolate on campus, or may isolate at home if they can get home via a private car. Wearing a high quality mask at all times is required during days 6-10 following release from isolation (except when alone in your private room/space).
What can I expect if I isolate/quarantine on campus?
Students who isolate/quarantine on campus can expect Springfield College staff to check on them periodically during their time in isolation/quarantine; Springfield College staff will contact students throughout the process with guidance. Students may leave isolation on day 6 if they were symptom-free or if their symptoms have resolved (e.g., feel well enough to come to class/work, and without fever for 24 hours), but must adhere to strict mask wearing for an additional 5 days (until Day 10). In this instance, high quality masks must be worn at all times, except for when a student is alone in their own residence hall room/apartment.
Meal delivery will be arranged for all students. Students can order contactless delivery of food, groceries and supplies. Students will be responsible for working with their instructors to remain current with their courses. Access to printing and library materials will be made by arrangement and mail will be delivered to students.
